10 essential places to see in Siena

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This list of places to see in Siena It will help you prepare your trip and not miss anything from one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, which we are sure, will surprise you.This small city, always in the shadow of its neighbor and older sister Florence, is one of the most essential places to see in Tuscany. Without having the tourist massification of Florence, in it you will be able to know with tranquility its enormous historical and artistic heritage, in which time seems to have stopped in the middle ages.Based on our experience in the time we spent in this city during our trip to Tuscany in 4 days, we have made a list of what we think, are the 10 essential places to visit in Siena. We start!

1. Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo, located in the heart of the historic center, is the icon of the city and one of the most beautiful places to see in Siena. Surrounded by historic buildings such as the Public Palace, this shell-shaped square has its worldwide fame for the celebration of the Palio horse race, a festival of medieval origin, in which each neighborhood of the city competes with a horse and that It is held twice a year, on July 2 and August 16.The Torre del Mangia, the tallest in Siena, also deserves special mention, from which you will have fantastic views of the square and the entire city, giving you a unique perspective.Other highlights of Piazza del Campo are the Cappella della Piazza from the end of the 14th century and the Gaia Fountain of the 14th century, located in the center of the Piazza del Campo.A great option if it is your first time in the city and you want to know its history is to book this visit with a guide in Spanish that passes through the most interesting places in Siena.Hours of the Torre del Mangia: every day from 10am to 7pmPublic Palace hours: every day from 10am to 6pm

2. Duomo

The Duomo or Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción, declared a World Heritage Site and considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world, is another of the essential places to visit in Siena. Built between 1215 and 1263, in Italian Gothic style, it is impressive because it is all built in white and greenish marble and inside, by the marble floor with inlays and panels representing biblical episodes.Also inside you have several works of art such as the magnificent pulpit, the altar and several sculptures of several of the great masters of the time, among which those dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the work of Michelangelo.Although for us the most special place in the cathedral is the Piccolomini Library, with impressive frescoes on walls and ceiling, which will remind you for a moment of the Sistine Chapel.The best option to visit the entire cathedral complex of Siena is to book this quick-access ticket that includes the cathedral, the baptistery, the crypt, the Piccolomini library, the Museo dell'Opera and the Facciatone (Mirador Panorama) or buy the OPA card Yes Pass

Siena Old Town

10. Palazzo Chigi Saracini

The Gothic-style Palazzo Chigi Saracini, built in the 12th century, is another of the most beautiful palaces to visit in Siena. Located on Via di Città, this medieval palace has an original curved facade and a beautiful backyard that is currently home to the Accamedia Musicale Chigiana, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world.

How to get to Siena from Florence or Pisa

To arrive in Siena by plane, it is best to land in Florence, 80 kilometers away, or in Pisa, 130 kilometers away.If you do not want to rent a car, the best option to get to Siena is to book the train, which takes an hour and a half from the Santa Maria Novella station in Florence, while the train that leaves from Pisa airport takes a little more than two hours.The two stop at Empoli and leave you at the Siena station, located 2 kilometers from the historic center.Another good way to get to Siena from Florence is by bus from the SITA bus station, located near Santa Maria Novella, in a journey of just over an hour.If you are staying in Florence and have only one day, a more comfortable alternative is to book a bus tour with a guide in Spanish that includes Pisa and San Gimignano or this one that includes the Chianti and San Gimignano region, in both you will be picked up at the hotel.

Map of the best places to visit in Siena

If you want to help us complete the list of 10 essential places to see in Siena, add yours in the comments.